Role: Senior Residential Care Worker
Location: Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire
Salary: Up to £30,343.95 per annum (depending on experience, plus sleep-in and on-call payments)
Hours: Full-Time | Permanent (39 hours per week) | Rolling rota, 5 days out of 7
Essential: Full UK Manual Driving Licence

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role
Ready to take the next step in residential childcare and help lead a team that changes young lives every day?

At Options Autism, we believe every child deserves a safe, supportive and nurturing place to call home. As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you'll play a key role in creating that environment while helping children and young people with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties grow in confidence, develop independence and achieve meaningful outcomes.

This is more than a senior care role. You'll be a role model, mentor and trusted adult, leading by example and supporting colleagues to deliver exceptional care. Every day brings new opportunities to encourage, guide and celebrate the progress of the young people in your care, while continuing to develop your own career within a supportive and growing organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting children and young people with their daily routines, emotional wellbeing and personal development.
• Creating a safe, nurturing and structured home where every young person feels valued and supported.
• Leading, coaching and mentoring Residential Care Workers to deliver consistently high standards of care.
• Administering medication safely and in line with care plans and policies.
• Supporting young people to attend appointments, education, activities and community opportunities.
• Promoting confidence, independence and essential life skills through everyday experiences.
• Completing accurate care records and safeguarding documentation to ensure the highest quality of support.
• Working closely with the Deputy Manager to support the development of the team and contribute to a positive, child centred culture.

We're Looking for Someone Who Has:
Mandatory:

• HNC in Social Care, SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF 7 (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification.
• Willingness to work towards an SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF 9 (Level 4).
• A minimum of 2 years' supervisory experience within residential childcare or a similar setting.
• A Full UK Driving Licence.

Personal Qualities:

• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and support others.
• A calm, compassionate and resilient approach, even in challenging situations.
• Confidence in building positive, trusting relationships with young people, families and colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to lead by example.
• A commitment to safeguarding, high quality care and continuous professional development.

If you're an experienced Residential Care Worker looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity where you can make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you.

The Location
Holistic Childcare and Education consists of two specialist homes: Closeburn House and Maben House.

Closeburn House supports young people aged 10–16 years, while Maben House supports young people aged 6–16 years. Both homes are within commuting distance of Dumfries, Lockerbie and surrounding areas.

Our homes are dedicated to helping young people develop independence, life skills and personal interests, creating opportunities for brighter futures.

Every day is different, offering both challenge and reward as you support young people in a safe and nurturing environment where they are listened to, respected and encouraged to thrive.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Options Autism?
We place children and young people at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS check.

Pension Scheme
Life Assurance
Enhanced Family Growth Support
Critical Illness Cover
Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Develop Your Career
We invest heavily in our people.

Fully funded qualifications
"Journey to Management" Programme
Opportunities to progress into Deputy Manager and Management roles

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.